Small Animal Imaging

The Small Animal Imaging resource provides opportunities for optical imaging of cells in-vitro and growing in animals: notably bioluminescent  imaging (BLI), chemiluminescent imaging (CLI) and fluorescent imaging (FLI). State of the art commercial instruments can be used in a high through-put mode to examine tumors developing in animals non-invasively over a period of days or weeks. Dynamic imaging allows real time  non-invasive assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Depth resolved investigations provide 3D insights.  Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT) and planar gamma-scintigraphy are available together with a radiolabeling and imaging service. 

Our latest instrumentation provides high resolution small animal ultrasound.  Capabilities are available both inside the specific pathogen free (SPF) barrier facility and in conventional areas. Investigators may request service imaging or be trained to undertake investigations themselves. The resource can also provide advice on generating new tumor lines and assist with small animal veterinary care and development of optimal protocols for imaging investigations. By centralizing the imaging opportunities we are able to provide considerable expertise and cost savings for individual investigators.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton spectroscopy (MRS) services for mice and other small animals are also provided through this shared resource and the Advanced Imaging Research Center (AIRC).  For information on these state-of-the-art services and how to access them, please go to the Mouse MRI Core Facility website.

The resource is an integral part of the UT Southwestern Small Animal Imaging Resource (SW-SAIR).  Additional information about SW-SAIR can be found on their Small Animal Imaging website.

To develop new investigations, please contact Ralph Mason at (214) 648-8926 or Ralph.Mason@utsouthwestern.edu

To organize and continue on-going investigations, please contact Jason Reneau at (214) 648-9064 or jason.reneau@utsouthwestern.edu

Location:

South Campus, E6.236, Department of Radiology

Pricing:

$10.00 per image for planar BLI

$5.90 per hour for optical imaging

$5.90 per hour for small animal ultrasound

$100.00 per day for radio-labeling and organic synthesis